News

Maryland Bobcats FC to Showcase Youth Academy on 2023 Kits

Published Apr 4, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kalin Hicks
e: khicks@marylandbobcatsfc.com

Dec 27, 2022

 

Maryland Bobcats FC to Showcase Youth Academy on 2023 Kits

 

BOYDS, MD - Maryland Bobcats FC (MBFC) Senior and Reserve (2024 season) team will showcase the club’s youth program, Maryland Bobcats Youth Academy - 501(c)(3), as the main stay on the front of the matchday kits for the entire 2023 season. 

 

The club has decided to utilize the valuable real estate on the front of the matchday kits to bring added attention to the growing youth academy setup that has seen substantial growth since its establishment. The youth academy has been a successful platform for players to develop their talent for the professional environment. To date, we have promoted 8 players to the first team since 2021. 

 

I’m ecstatic for this announcement! In an effort to bring more visibility to both brands, we wanted to also bridge the two entities together aside from the pathway to pro route for players and staff. We believe this will further cement the involvement of fans and foster more relationships with different organizations and businesses that align with our #ForAll vision.” Said Vice President, Idrissa Sesay.

 

The coaching staff of the youth academy consists of former and current professional MBFC players that have played at high levels of professional soccer. Two of these coaches include first team players, Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez and Andrew “Drew” Wivell. 

Both have been integral in leading numerous youth teams in winning important games in tournaments across the country. 

 

In addition to current players, former players also coach youth teams within the academy. Current Vice President of the club, Idrissa Sesay has been with the club since its inception; coaching the 2008 boys team, MBYA Warriors. In summer 2022, they won their 1st trophy at the Mid-Atlantic Cup  hosted at our very own Maryland SoccerPlex. The following season, they won Southampton Cup (Fall 2022) which now sits in the club trophy case located at the Maryland SoccerPlex within the Adventist Healthcare Field House. Current Head Coach, Alex Kao, coached within the youth academy for numerous years; also winning the Mid-Atlantic Cup with the 2005 boys “Galaxy Team” before assuming the top job in MBFC for the 2023 season. 

 

As Maryland’s only professional outdoor soccer club sets to kickoff the start of the 2023 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) season, fans can see the senior team showcase the academy that will likely produce the next big homegrown star of Maryland Bobcats Football Club & Youth Academy.

 

The Youth Academy shirt sponsor is set to make its debut apperance on the Red and White kits being worn by the team on Wednesday, April 5th in the club's second round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game against Ocean City Nor'Easters.

 

Follow the journey among all of our youth teams on instagram @mdbobcatsyouth. 

 

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About Maryland Bobcats FC

The Maryland Bobcats Football Club was founded in 2009. Based in Montgomery County in Maryland, it is a fully minority-owned club and currently the only United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned professional soccer team (men’s or women’s) in the state of Maryland. MBFC has a "one family" mentality. From the youngest player to the most experienced, youth teams to the First Team, our players support, push and encourage each other to play the right way. Beyond soccer, Maryland Bobcats gives back and supports the local community that inspires, motivates, and cheers them on at home games and on the road.

 

For more information about Maryland Bobcats FC, visit marylandbobcatsfc.com Follow MBFC on Twitter @MDBobcatsFC and on Instagram @mdbobcatsfc.